Products and methods for reducing toilet paper consumption

ABSTRACT

A toilet paper roll includes toilet paper wrapped to define a central opening having an interior diameter. The toilet paper is scored to form sheets. Each sheet has a width in a range of 2 inches to 3.6 inches. A toilet paper roll adapter includes a first portion to engage an interior diameter of a roll of toilet paper roll and a second portion concentric with the first portion. The second portion has a radius greater than the interior diameter of the toilet paper roll and adapts the width of the toilet paper.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/017,305, filed Apr. 29, 2020, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Consumption of consumable paper products, such as toilet paper, tissue paper, or paper towels has increased significantly in past years. Further, premium brands of such consumable paper products have increased fiber content, providing quilted paper towel products and plush toilet paper. But, overuse of such paper products has consequences, including increased use of trees, increased energy consumption to make such products, higher toxic chemical usage, and greater volumes of municipal wastewater solids.

In particular, over usage of toilet paper causes problems relating to waste processing, in addition to the overuse of natural resources. While some commercial toilet paper products, typically used in restaurants or office buildings, use some recycled fibers, consumer toilet paper, often used at home, uses 100% virgin fibers derived from newly harvested trees. Moreover, over consumption of toilet paper by consumers, particularly at home where premium brands are most often found, burdens municipal waste systems. For example, toilet paper can clog sewage pipes, burden pumps and filters, and increase hold times of wastewater at wastewater processing plants. Similarly, in the case of septic systems, overuse of toilet paper can fill septic tanks and cause restrictions in pipes leading to the drain field.

Despite these problems, consumers have been slow to respond to educational efforts. Further, consumers have shown particular attachment to toilet paper, hoarding toilet paper during times of trouble.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure may be better understood, and its numerous features and advantages made apparent to those skilled in the art by referencing the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 includes an illustration of an example roll of toilet paper.

FIG. 2 includes an illustration of a master roll that is cut into rolls of toilet paper.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of an example roll of toilet paper.

FIG. 4 includes an illustration of an example roll of toilet paper.

FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 . include illustrations of example adapters for use with a non-standard roll of toilet paper.

FIG. 7 includes a block flow diagram illustrating an example method for using toilet paper.

FIG. 8 , FIG. 9 , FIG. 10 , FIG. 11 , and FIG. 12 include illustrations of a segment of toilet paper as folded in accordance with the example method of FIG. 7 .

FIG. 13 includes an illustration of an example toilet paper holder.

The use of the same reference symbols in different drawings indicates similar or identical items.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While consumers have shown a long-term resistance to a change in consumption habits surrounding toilet paper, Applicant has discovered a unique solution to the problem of toilet paper consumption. It has been discovered that a small change in the width of a toilet paper roll, optionally, while maintaining the length of the toilet paper sheet, leads consumers to naturally utilize less toilet paper. In addition to the reduction in surface area per sheet, the change in toilet paper size without making the toilet paper sheet to small, brings to the forefront of consumer awareness the issue of overconsumption, leading them to make more rational choices about their use of toilet paper.

In North American cultures, it has been found that men tend to wrap or fold toilet paper before wiping and judge the amount of toilet paper based on the length. If the width is reduced to within a particular range, men tend to use the same length or less of toilet paper, leading to a reduction in usage. In contrast, women tend to wad toilet paper. Here again, the wad is more influenced by the length of toilet paper when the width is maintained within a desired range, and less toilet paper is used.

In some Asian cultures, children are taught to take a number of sheets, e.g., 3 sheets of toilet paper and fold the sheets in a particular manner, such that the width of the sheet extends along the length of the fingers. Here too, if the width is maintained within the desired range, consumers use the same or less sheets. As a result, consumers unexpectedly use less toilet paper, in contrast to using the same amount of toilet paper by compensating for the reduction in surface area by using more sheets of toilet paper.

FIG. 1 includes an illustration of an example toilet paper roll 102 having a shorter width than standard toilet paper roll 104. The standard toilet paper roll 104 generally has a width of approximately 4 inches (10.2 cm). In contrast, the toilet paper roll 102 can have a width in a range of 2 inches (5.1 cm) to 3.6 inches (9.1 cm), such as in a range of 2.4 inches (6.1 cm) to 3.6 inches (9.1 cm), a range of 2.6 inches (6.6 cm) to 3.4 inches (8.6 cm), or a range of 2.8 inches (7.1 cm) to 3.2 inches (8.1 cm), for example, approximately 3 inches (7.6 cm).

The toilet paper roll 102 can include a cylindrical support 106 onto which toilet paper 108 is wrapped. The cylindrical support can have an opening extending parallel to a central axis of the roll. The opening can have an interior radius R1 extending out from and perpendicular to the central axis. The toilet paper roll 102 can have a roll radius R2 including the cylindrical support and the toilet paper 108. The cylindrical support can be formed of cardboard or plastic. In an example, the cylindrical support includes a cardboard cylinder. In another example, the cylindrical support includes a plastic cylinder. In an example, the plastic cylinder includes recycled plastic.

Alternatively, the roll 102 can be free of a support 106. The surface along the interior radius can be formed of toilet paper. Optionally, the toilet paper along the interior radius can be adhered to adjacent layers with an adhesive, such as a water soluble or biodegradable adhesive.

In an example, the toilet paper is scored or perforated periodically along a length. The length as used herein is the dimension extending perpendicular to the width of the roll and wraps around the cylindrical support. The scoring or perforations at periodic distances along the length can define sheets having the width of the toilet paper roll and a length defined by the periodic distances of the scoring or perforations.

The toilet paper 108 can be formed of virgin fibers, for example, using a combination of newly cut softwood and hardwood tree fibers or can be formed of recycled fibers. Softwood trees, such as Southern pines and Douglas firs, have long fibers that wrap around each other to give paper strength. Hardwood trees like gum, maple, and oak, have shorter fibers that can make a softer paper. Consumer grade toilet paper is generally a combination of approximately 70% hardwood and 30% softwood. Optionally, the toilet paper 108 can include at least 20% recycled fibers, such as at least 40% recycled fibers, or even at least 60% recycled fibers. In a further example, the toilet paper 108 can be perforated or can be scented, embossed, or colored.

Other materials used in manufacture include water, chemicals for breaking down the trees into usable fiber, and bleaches. Companies that make paper from recycled products use oxygen, ozone, sodium hydroxide, or peroxide to whiten the paper. Virgin-paper manufacturers often use chlorine-based bleaches (chlorine dioxide). A reduction in the consumption of toilet paper reduces the use of such chemicals.

Such a change in the width of the toilet paper roll, while advantageously reducing consumption of toilet paper, also results in an increased number of rolls that can be cut from a master roll of a given length. For example, FIG. 2 illustrates a master roll 202 that includes toilet paper rolled on a mandrel 208. Optionally, a cylindrical support is disposed on the mandrel prior to wrapping the toilet paper around the mandrel. For every foot (30.4 cm) of the master roll 202, three 4-inch rolls 204 can be derived. In contrast, 4 3-inch rolls 206 can be derived from the same foot (30.4 cm) of the master roll 202.

As illustrated in FIG. 3 , the toilet paper roll 302 can have a shorter width. As a result, each of the sheets 304 has a shorter width (X). However, the length of the sheet can be maintained. For example, the length Y of the sheet 304 can be in a range of 3.7 inches (9.4 cm) to 4.3 inches (10.9 cm), such as 3.8 inches (9.6 cm) to 4.2 inches (10.6 cm), 3.9 inches (9.9 cm) to 4.1 inches (10.4 cm), or approximately 4 inches (10.2 cm). In some respects, it has been found that the length dimension Y of the sheet 304 has an influence on consumer behavior, more so than the width X, providing the width X is maintained within a desired range.

The edge of each sheet 304 is defined by a perforation line (e.g., perforation lines 306 or 308). Optionally, the perforation lines can be perforated differently so that some perforation lines have less strength than other perforation lines and thus, the toilet paper is more likely to tear at the perforation line with less strength. For example, perforation lines 306 may be stronger than perforation lines 308. As such, the toilet paper is more likely to tear at perforation line 308 than at perforation line 306. In an example, the weaker perforation line 308 can be formed periodically along the roll 302, such as after every third sheet or after every fourth sheet. When a consumer draws toilet paper from the roll, they are more likely to have three sheets when the weaker perforation line 308 is place after every third sheet or four sheets when the weaker perforation line 308 is place after every fourth sheet.

Returning to FIG. 1 , each toilet paper roll 102 can have an opening extending parallel to a central axis of the roll having a radius R1. This opening can be formed by a cylindrical support 106. Conventionally, the interior diameter (2×R1) is 1.75 inches (4.45 cm). Optionally, the interior diameter can be not greater than 1.25 inches (3.18 cm), such as not greater than 1.1 inches (2.79 cm) or not greater than 1.0 inches (2.54 cm). The interior diameter can be at least 0.5 inches (1.27 cm).

For example, as illustrated in FIG. 4 , the interior diameter 406 of toilet paper roll 402 can be less than the conventional interior diameter 404. Further, the interior diameter 404 can be formed to not include a cylindrical support. A toilet paper roll 402 having a conventional outer diameter and a reduced interior diameter is less likely to close in the absence of a cylindrical cardboard support, for example in response to stresses during shipping, than a roll having a larger interior diameter. Optionally, the toilet paper along the interior diameter can be adhered to adjacent layers with an adhesive, such as a water soluble or biodegradable adhesive.

Most bathrooms are equipped with toilet paper holders designed based on the standard width (~4 inches (10.2 cm)) of the toilet paper roll. As such, an adapter can be provided for use with a toilet paper roll that has a reduced width. The adapter adjusts the width to the standard width of a roll. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5 , a toilet paper roll 502 can be adapted with an adapter 504 to fit over a standard toilet paper rod 506. In an example, the adapter 504 can have a portion 512, such as a smaller diameter cylinder, to engage the interior diameter of the central opening in the toilet paper roll. In addition, the adapter can have a portion 514, such as a larger diameter cylinder, to add width W to the toilet paper roll. The portion 512 can be connected to the portion 514. For example, the portions 512 and 514 can be concentric and aligned along the same central axis. In particular, the portions 512 and 514 are co-formed as a single piece. An opening can extend through the adapter 504 to permit the rod 506 to pass through.

In an example, the portion 512 extends a radius from a center axis that permits the portion 512 to engage the interior diameter of the central opening in the toilet paper roll cylindrical support. For example, the portion 512 can be a cylinder or can have a cross-section of a star-shape, radially extending ridges, cylindrical arcs, or the like.

In another example, the portion 514 extends a radius from a center axis that is greater than the inner circumference of the toilet paper roll support. In an example, the radius of the portion 514 can be approximately the radius of the toilet paper roll. For example, the portion 512 can be a cylinder or can have a cross-section of a star-shape, radially extending ridges, cylindrical arches, or the like. The portion 514 can have a width W along the central axis sufficient to provide a combined width approximately equal to the standard width of 4 inches.

Often, toilet paper rods 506 include two cylinders, e.g., cylinders 508 or 510. The cylinder 510 can fit inside cylinder 508 and can engage a spring (not shown) internal to the cylinder 508, allowing for movement of the cylinder 510 relative to cylinder 508 so that the toilet paper rod 506 can be coupled with and decoupled from a toilet paper holder. The toilet paper rod 506 can slide through the central opening of the adapter and the toilet paper and be secured to a holder. The outer diameter of the rod can be sized to accommodate the interior diameter of conventional rolls or can have a smaller diameter to accommodate both conventional rolls and rolls having a smaller interior diameter.

In the illustrated example, the toilet paper adapter 504 adapts one end of the toilet paper roll 502. The toilet paper adapter 504 can be made of polymeric materials, paper, or metals. In an example, the material forming the adapter 504 can be recycled material, such as recycled plastic. In an example, the toilet paper adapter 504 can be molded, such as through injection molding.

In an alternative example, two adapters can be used on either end of the toilet paper roll to adjust the width of the toilet paper roll. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 6 , the toilet paper roll 602 can engage two adapters 604 or 606 on opposite ends to adjust the width of the toilet paper roll 602. The adapters 604 or 606 can have similar construction to the embodiments of adapters described above in relation to FIG. 5 .

FIG. 7 includes a block flow diagram of an example method 700 for utilizing toilet paper having a reduced width X, but similar length Y of sheets of the toilet paper. For example, as illustrated at block 702, three sheets can be taken from the toilet paper roll. In this example, the toilet paper roll can have a width of 3 inches. While each sheet has a length of 4 inches. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 8 , three squares are taken providing a length of 12 inches (30.5 cm) of toilet paper.

As illustrated at block 704, the length of toilet paper can be folded in half. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 9 . The three sheets of toilet paper have been folded in half. For example, the length of the folded toilet paper is 6 inches (15.2 cm).

The toilet paper can then be folded in half again, as illustrated at block 706. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 10 , the length of the now double folded toilet paper is 3 inches (7.6 cm), forming a square of 3 inches by 3 inches.

As illustrated at block 708, opposite corners can be folded together. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 11 , the opposite corners can be folded together. Such folding provides a triangle having two sides of 3 inches. The geometrically larger side of hypotenuse of the triangle has a length of greater than 4 inches, such as 4.24 inches (10.8 cm), as illustrated.

As illustrated at block 710, the folded triangle of toilet paper can be used to wipe. If the hypotenuse of the triangle is placed across the buttocks, the toilet paper folds at the bisection of the angle between the 3-inch sides, utilizing the larger side for wiping.

After the first wipe, the toilet paper can be folded in the opposite direction, as illustrated at block 712. See, for example, FIG. 12 . The refolded toilet paper can then be used to wipe again, as illustrated at block 714. Similar to above, if the hypotenuse or longer side of the triangle is placed across the buttocks, the larger side can be used to wipe covering more surface area covered during the wipe.

FIG. 13 includes an illustration of a toilet paper holder 1300. The holder 1300 can adjust for widths of toilet paper rolls 1302. For example, the holder 1300 can adjust to accommodate conventionally sized rolls and can adjust to accommodate smaller width toilet paper rolls 1302. In an example, arms 1304 and 1306 are attached to separate rails 1308 and 1310. The rail 1308 can be a fixed rail, for example, secured to a wall, and the rail 1310 can slide along the fixed rail 1308 to adjust the width between the arms 1304 and 1306. Optionally, the cylinder 1312 extending through an opening in the toilet paper roll 1302 can adjust to the width between the arms, for example, using a mechanism similar to that described in relation the cylinder 506 of FIG. 5 .

Embodiments of the above-described toilet paper, adapter, holder, and methods of use advantageously address a long-standing problem of overconsumption of toilet paper. Unexpectedly, a change in dimensions of the toilet paper roll leads to a change in consumer behavior and a reduction in toilet paper consumption. Such a reduction in individual consumption leads to a reduction in waste, less stress on sewage and septic systems, optimizes raw material usage, and lowers costs in each area.

In a first aspect, a toilet paper roll includes toilet paper wrapped to define a central opening having an interior diameter, the toilet paper scored to form sheets, each sheet having a width in a range of 2 inches to 3.6 inches.

In an example of the first aspect, each sheet has a length in a range of 3.7 inches to 4.3 inches. For example, the length is in a range of 3.8 inches to 4.2 inches. In an example, the length is in a range of 3.9 inches to 4.1 inches.

In another example of the first aspect and the above examples, the width is in a range of 2.4 inches to 3.6 inches. For example, the width is in a range of 2.6 inches to 3.4 inches. In an example, the width is in a range of 2.8 inches to 3.2 inches.

In a further example of the first aspect and the above examples, the interior diameter of the toilet paper roll is not greater than 1.25 inches and at least 0.5 inches.

In an additional example of the first aspect and the above examples, the toilet paper roll further includes a support cylinder defining the central opening, the toilet paper wrapped around the support cylinder. For example, the support cylinder comprises cardboard. In another example, the support cylinder comprises recycled plastic.

In another example of the first aspect and the above examples, the toilet paper roll is free of a support cylinder. For example, the toilet paper roll further includes an adhesive to adhere toilet paper layers defining the interior diameter.

In a further example of the first aspect and the above examples, the toilet paper comprises at least 20% recycled fiber.

In an additional example of the first aspect and the above examples, the toilet paper comprises at least 40% recycled fiber.

In another example of the first aspect and the above examples, the toilet paper roll includes a first scoring between a first pair of sheets and a second scoring between a second pair of sheets, the first scoring being weaker than the second scoring. For example, the first scoring occurs following every third sheet.

In a second aspect, a toilet paper roll adapter includes a first portion to engage an interior diameter of a central opening in a toilet paper roll; and a second portion concentric with the first portion, the second portion having a radius greater than the interior diameter of the toilet paper roll and adapting the width of the toilet paper.

In an example of the second aspect, the first portion includes a cylinder.

In another example of the second aspect and the above examples, the first portion has a cross-section of a star-shape, radially extending ridges, or cylindrical arches.

In a further example of the second aspect and the above examples, the radius of the second portion is approximately the radius of the toilet paper roll.

In an additional example of the second aspect and the above examples, the second portion includes a cylinder.

In another example of the second aspect and the above examples, the second portion has a cross-section of a star-shape, radially extending ridges, or cylindrical arches.

In a further example of the second aspect and the above examples, the toilet paper roll adapter is formed of polymeric materials, paper, or metal.

In an additional example of the second aspect and the above examples, the toilet paper roll adapter is formed of recycled plastic.

In a third aspect, a method of manufacturing toilet paper includes forming a master roll by wrapping toilet paper over a mandrel in which the toilet paper is scored at lengths in a range of 3.7 inches to 4.3 inches; and cutting the master roll into toilet paper rolls having a width in a range of 2 inches to 3.6 inches.

In an example of the third aspect, the toilet paper roll includes a first scoring between a first pair of sheets and a second scoring between a second pair of sheets, the first scoring being weaker than the second scoring. For example, the first scoring occurs following every third sheet.

In another example of the third aspect and the above examples, the length is in a range of 3.8 inches to 4.2 inches. For example, the length is in a range of 3.9 inches to 4.1 inches.

In a further example of the third aspect and the above examples, the width is in a range of 2.4 inches to 3.6 inches. For example, the width is in a range of 2.6 inches to 3.4 inches. In an example, the width is in a range of 2.8 inches to 3.2 inches.

In an additional example of the third aspect and the above examples, an interior diameter of the toilet paper roll is not greater than 1.25 inches and at least 0.5 inches.

In another example of the third aspect and the above examples, the method further includes placing a cylindrical support over the mandrel prior to forming the master roll. For example, the cylindrical support comprises cardboard.

In a further example of the third aspect and the above examples, the cylindrical support comprises recycled plastic.

In an additional example of the third aspect and the above examples, the toilet paper roll is free of a support cylinder. For example, the method further includes an adhesive to adhere toilet paper layers defining the interior diameter.

In another example of the third aspect and the above examples, the toilet paper comprises at least 20% recycled fiber. For example, the toilet paper comprises at least 40% recycled fiber.

In a fourth aspect, a method for using toilet paper includes taking three sheets of toilet paper from a toilet paper roll having a width in a range of 2 inches to 3.6 inches and having sheets having a length in a range of 3.7 inches to 4.3 inches; folding the length of toilet paper in half along the length; folding the resulting length of toilet paper in half again along the length; folding opposite corners of the toilet paper together to form a triangle; and wiping.

In an example of the fourth aspect, the method further includes folding the opposite corners in the opposite direction and wiping again.

In another example of the fourth aspect and the above examples, the length is in a range of 3.8 inches to 4.2 inches. For example, the length is in a range of 3.9 inches to 4.1 inches.

In a further example of the fourth aspect and the above examples, the width is in a range of 2.4 inches to 3.6 inches. For example, the width is in a range of 2.6 inches to 3.4 inches. In an example, the width is in a range of 2.8 inches to 3.2 inches.

In an additional example of the fourth aspect and the above examples, the toilet paper comprises at least 20% recycled fiber.

Note that not all of the activities described above in the general description or the examples are required, that a portion of a specific activity may not be required, and that one or more further activities may be performed in addition to those described. Still further, the order in which activities are listed are not necessarily the order in which they are performed.

In the foregoing specification, the concepts have been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of invention.

As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” “including,” “has,” “having” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of features is not necessarily limited only to those features but may include other features not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary, “or” refers to an inclusive-or and not to an exclusive-or. For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is true (or present), and B is false (or not present); A is false (or not present), and B is true (or present); and both A and B are true (or present).

Also, the use of “a” or “an” are employed to describe elements and components described herein. This is done merely for convenience and to give a general sense of the scope of the invention. This description should be read to include one or at least one and the singular also includes the plural unless it is obvious that it is meant otherwise.

Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to specific embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any feature(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature of any or all the claims.

After reading the specification, skilled artisans will appreciate that certain features are, for clarity, described herein in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any subcombination. Further, references to values stated in ranges include each and every value within that range. 

1. A toilet paper roll comprising: toilet paper wrapped to define a central opening having an interior diameter, the toilet paper scored to form sheets, each sheet having a width in a range of 2 inches to 3.6 inches, each sheet has a length in a range of 3.7 inches to 4.3 inches, wherein the width is shorter than the length.
 2. (canceled)
 3. The toilet paper roll of claim 2, wherein the length is in a range of 3.8 inches to 4.2 inches.
 4. The toilet paper roll of claim 3, wherein the length is in a range of 3.9 inches to 4.1 inches.
 5. The toilet paper roll of claim 1, wherein the width is in a range of 2.4 inches to 3.6 inches.
 6. The toilet paper roll of claim 5, wherein the width is in a range of 2.6 inches to 3.4 inches.
 7. The toilet paper roll of claim 6, wherein the width is in a range of 2.8 inches to 3.2 inches.
 8. The toilet paper roll of claim 1, wherein the interior diameter of the toilet paper roll is not greater than 1.25 inches and at least 0.5 inches.
 9. The toilet paper roll of claim 1, further comprising a support cylinder defining the central opening, the toilet paper wrapped around the support cylinder.
 10. The toilet paper roll of claim 9, wherein the support cylinder comprises cardboard.
 11. The toilet paper roll of claim 9, wherein the support cylinder comprises recycled plastic.
 12. The toilet paper roll of claim 1, wherein the toilet paper roll is free of a support cylinder.
 13. The toilet paper roll of claim 12, further comprising an adhesive to adhere toilet paper layers defining the interior diameter.
 14. The toilet paper roll of claim 1, wherein the toilet paper comprises at least 20% recycled fiber.
 15. The toilet paper roll of claim 1, wherein the toilet paper comprises at least 40% recycled fiber.
 16. The toilet paper roll of claim 1, wherein the toilet paper roll includes a first scoring between a first pair of sheets and a second scoring between a second pair of sheets, the first scoring being weaker than the second scoring.
 17. The toilet paper roll of claim 16, wherein the first scoring occurs following every third sheet.
 18. A toilet paper roll adapter comprising: a first portion to engage an interior diameter of a central opening in a toilet paper roll; and a second portion concentric with the first portion, the second portion having a radius greater than the interior diameter of the toilet paper roll and adapting the width of the toilet paper.
 19. The toilet paper roll adapter of claim 18, wherein the first portion includes a cylinder.
 20. The toilet paper roll adapter of claim 18, wherein the first portion has a cross-section of a star-shape, radially extending ridges, or cylindrical arches.
 21. The toilet paper roll adapter of claim 18, wherein the radius of the second portion is approximately the radius of the toilet paper roll. 22-49. (canceled) 